White

Chapter 49

Grudge

(A/N This one I didn't have to rewrite all that much just minor sentence changes. Hopefully I get to posting another chapter soon.)

SOUNDS/sounds

Thoughts

Disembodied Voices

(Last Time)

"King Shiro can be a very loose cannon, don't get me wrong, but what he does he does for the best," the woman said, putting a hand on Karin's shoulder. "And if you're human kin to him you most certainly will find shelter with us. The others and I are still loyal to him as is our queen. We'll keep you safe. We definitely won't eat you! Hahaha!"

"Can… Can you not bring that back up?" Karin groaned, looking sick at the thought of it. "That's just really disturbing…"

"Oh, haha! I guess you're right," the woman laughed. "Ah! Silly me! I didn't tell you who I am yet. I'm Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck!"

"Uhhh… Yeah… Do you have a nickname I can use?" Karin asked, looking up at her. "I don't think I can say all that."

"Hahaha! You can just call me Nel!"

(Present. Isshin's POV)

This is definitely turning out to be harder than I first thought even with all of us here together. I'm too out of shape and practice for this shit. I wipe a little sweat from my brow as I help Uryu up to the next floor. We've gone up about 11 floors I think by now and fought off more creatures than I'd prefer. We still haven't picked up on Shihoin or Inoue. I can tell that's getting on Shiro's nerves. He wants them by his side right now but it's going to continue to be like this for a while yet I fear. Aizen isn't just going to let us have them. That would be way too easy.

We're moving at a rather slow pace as well. I let out a breath as the last of us make it through the hole before it closes up. We haven't done too much talking either. Any words exchanged revolve around how we should handle our fights and our strategy to keep moving upwards. Each floor is proving to be a different challenge. We have to do a small sweep of each floor to see if we can locate them. None of these floors are uniform and we're never certain when we'll be attacked by some deranged creature.

I roll my shoulders some as we start moving down the dark hall. Let's see how long we last this time without running into something foul. We're keeping close to each other so that if the floor does go again we'll hopefully land together. Well, that's the plan anyway. None of us are fond of this practice but we have to do something to try not and lose everyone suddenly.

It's eerily quiet in this corridor. The only sound is that of our shoes stepping on the tile floor. 'Tile?' It's not really even tile, now is it? Oh, well… I have noticed a small power struggle between Shiro and the young captain. Both have their points for leading; one a current captain and the other a king… Well, former but… Anyway, hopefully these little power struggles don't blossom into something bad. We don't need them fighting over who is in charge. Of course I'll stay on Shiro's side and I always will—hm? Why have we stopped?

"What's wrong?" I hear Fujimoto ask just ahead of me.

"Hmhmhmhm! Something is down that corridor and around the corner," Shiro answers. "Something I don't like. Haha! Not at all."

"Like what?" Uryu asks. "Wait that's a hollow, isn't it?"

A hollow? Great. I don't know what's worse; those hell-hounds, that blob monster, or a hollow. None of which I care to deal with.

"Hahahaha! Yes it is. I'd like to get rid of it personally but I shouldn't waste my energy on that filth… Hmhm! Isshin, I think you should be the one to do the honors," Shiro states, turning around to look at me. What me? Why me? I know I have a look of surprise on my face. "I have a great loathing against this one in particular and you should too. Hahaha! This is the one that tricked me and used me. This is the disrupted my plans. Hahaha! On top of that... This is the bastard that killed Masaki."

Killed…? My blood turns to ice at those words. That is the hollow that killed my wife? The love of my life? Okay, I change my mind I'd really like to deal with this hollow—personally. I walk forward through the group to get up next to Shiro. I face the corridor that Shiro was talking about. It's a hollow all right. Damn bastard.

"Remember Grandfisher uses a lure," I hear Uryu speak up behind me. "It could just be the lure and not the main body."

"Yeah, I remember you saying that earlier," I answer, putting a hand on Engetsu's hilt. "Are you sure it's him?"

"Hmhmhm! Way more than sure. I've spent years with that bastard not knowing the truth," Shiro answers me. "It's him. No doubt about that."

No doubt, huh? Good enough for me. I draw in a deep breath and let it back out as I start down the corridor. I have to keep my wits about me. I've got to remember I'm not in too good a shape. I want to do what I use to but I'm not the same person. Fundamentally I'm pretty much still human. My memories have returned for the most part, my power not so much. I have to handle this a certain way or I could really damage my body.

I'm close to the corner and I draw my blade. Whether it's the lure or main body I'm not going to take a chance. I quicken my pace and around the corner. I have Engetsu ready to come down on the target. A woman? It's the lure? Has to be. Damn bastard.

"AAAHHH! Please don't hurt me," she yells, collapsing to the floor, covering her head. Like I'm really going to buy that shit! "I'm lost that's all! Please, help me!"

"That's not going to work on me, Grandfisher," I bite out as she instantly looks up at me with an angry glare. She's not at all happy. Caught cha! "Ha! Don't like being found out so soon, do you?"

"How do you know I'm… Huh? A zanpakuto? So you're a shinigami? Hmmm?" she growls at me as she gets back to her feet, rubbing her chin. She looks me up and down some. "What is this? Casually Friday or something? Hahahaha!"

Obviously that's a poke at my clothes. I'm not in the same uniform as Kaien and the others. I'm just in a pair of black slack, a blue button up shirt, and some old sneakers. I'm really not in the mood for jokes. Especially one from her—him—whatever. I'm not in the mood. Period.

"Shut your mouth," I snap as she just smiles at me. She's mocking me.

"Hahahaha! Do you have any idea how many shinigami I've laid to waste over this great many years? You don't look like much to be honest," she states, pointing a finger at me. "You look like a human to me."

"I'm not interested in your petty boasting so knock it off," I retort as the smile fades from her face.

"Huh? My, my, why so serious?" she hums, giving me a toothy grin.

"I'm just going to come out and say it. This a personal issue between me and you."

"Personal? Really? I don't remember running into you before."

"We haven't, but you killed and devoured my wife many years ago."

"Wife, huh?"

"Allow me to jog your memory. Her name was Kurosaki Masaki."

"Kurosaki… You can't be… You mean to tell me that… You have to be making that up! You're his father? How? He was born of two humans and hid in the body of their human offspring! But you are a shinigami that's not possible? That's not possible!"

"Long story and not one I care to share with someone like you," I growl out as I charge and swing.

She dodges back, avoiding my first strike. I better end this quickly. Hopefully I can get the actual hollow to show if I damage his lure. That's my plan anyway. However, I have to be careful. I don't want to distance myself too much from the rest of the group. I can't afford to be isolated.

"You're rather slow for a shinigami," she mocks again. No need to point out the obvious, asshole. "C'mon. Show me you really are a shinigami and not some damn hack."

"Shut up," I snap and swing again. I really hate being mocked more than anything.

I manage to clip her right shoulder. I go for another attack but this time she charges me instead. Oh, shit! Her nails have turned into long talons and she's swinging at me rather viciously. Dammit! I'm having a rough time keeping up with her strikes! Now I know I'm well out of practice! Shit! Ow, my right ear! She clipped me damn good! I can feel blood running down my neck. C'mon, Isshin, get you act in gear! Ow! She got me right across the chest! Damn it! I can do this. I'll take another swing—ah! I nearly cut off her left arm!

"Little shit," she bites out and looking at her arm. "Good think I can heel this or I would be very put out of sorts."

"Dr. Kurosaki? Are you okay?"

Huh? Sado? I turn briefly to see Sado and the rest of the group catch up to us. I must have been drawn farther away than I thought. Damn. I grip the hilt of Engetsu harder as I move in for another strike. She dodges, of course. OW! She made took chunk out of my left shoulder. OW! OW! That really hurts! I need a strategy and fast or I'm not going to win this. I'll be damned if I let the bastard that killed my wife get away from me! I won't let that happen!

"Are these your little friends?" she snorts, looking beyond me. When I notice her gaze focus in on something. "Hmmm? Can't be… You, there dressed in solid white… Who are…?"

"Hmhmhm! Hello, Rei…" I hear Shiro growl out. "I don't think we've been formally introduced but I think I need no introduction."

"So you're the great and terrible Hollow King I've heard so much about, huh? You're as small as they say," she smirks. "Hahahaha! I can't believe you were once to be feared! As weak are you are now it's hard to believe that garbage. I mean, look at you, hanging out with shinigami no less. Even giving one a piggyback ride. Hahahahaha! My how the mighty have fallen."

"Hahahaha… Shut your damn mouth," Shiro snaps. I know that tone. That's not a good tone. "Why don't you show us the real you instead of this damn lure? Ha! Are you that scared to fight Isshin in person?"

I see her face darken at those words. He's trying to draw out the main body. Fighting the lure will get me nowhere. I need the actual body if I'm to finally get… Well, get revenge for Masaki. No, it's more than that. He took not only her but my son… He ruined my family. Even though I know Ichigo was just really Shiro… His human half was still my child as far as I'm concerned. He took half my family from me. Half of my heart.

"You think I'm scared? Hahaha! Please… I'm no more scared of this shinigami wannabe than I am of you, Kingy," he scoffs, pointing a mocking finger at Shiro. "You're just a washed up fool, your majesty. I don't see why Aizen-sama needed to restore some old relic like you. He should have just let you remain sleeping. But you know what? I sort of liked your human half. He was fun, so here's a going away present for him."

A moment later I watch as the lure quickly morphs into… He didn't… That bastard! She's now wearing Masaki's face. That sick bastard! His lure can take on any form he wishes? Most likely those he's devoured… I feel my blood starting to boil as I look at that mockery of my wife! I clinch my teeth and I grip onto my zanpakuto so hard my knuckles have turned white. I quickly take a look over at Shiro. He isn't smiling and he looks so impassive. His eyes, however, are burning like fire. I turn back to the lure with my own angry glare.

"Does this form burn you, wannabe? This is your wife's form, is it not? Such a sweet thing she was going down. I really have a soft spot for women," she states, crossing her arms. "Aizen-sama instructed me to be rid of her and to attack the little would-be-king. Of course another hollow was supposed to wake the king."

"Yeah, about that… What happened to him? I set it up in such a way that it should have been him and only him," Shiro growls out. "Hmhmhmhm… Yet, clearly he didn't do the one job I instilled into him subconsciously."

"You mean that idiot Shrieker? I'm not sure of all the details myself but… I got rid of him just before I attacked your human mother and you," he says, looking around me at Shiro. "Aizen-sama told me to it so I did. He told me to keep you alive but I could have the woman instead. I just needed to make contact with you so I gave you a few little lumps while I had my way with the woman."

I can't take this conversation anymore! I've heard all I needed to hear!

"That's enough," I shout out, breaking the conversation. "Stop talking about my Masaki like that! And stop wearing her face and imitating her voice…"

"Hahahahaha! Does it really hurt that much to at look me, wannabe? If I had known, I would have taken this form much earlier," she laughs, stroking the side of her face. "Such a pretty face too."

"Stop it," I charge again and swinging.

She may be wearing her face but I know that's not my wife! I keep going after her! This monster is mocking her memory! I won't have it! I won't! I need the main body not this damn lure! I want the real one to come out and face me! The coward! That's all he is! He's a coward!

"Show me the real you," I demand, catching my breath. "Come out and fight me!"

I made a lot of damage on the lure. He'll have to come out sooner or later. I can tell by the look on the lure's face she's not at all happy. Fighting this puppet is getting me nowhere. I need the puppeteer!

"Are you really that anxious to meet your fate, wannabe?" she chuckles, crossing her arms. "Very well. I'll let you fight the real me if it will make you happy."

BAAAANG!

What? Behind me? A surprise attack? I turn around to see him fall and land through the ceiling! So that's the ugly cuss. He's covered head to foot in long brown fur—what? Dammit! What is this? I'm caught up in—his hair? He can control his hair? This bastard's a real piece for work! Whoa! He picks me up and slams me into the ceiling. I swing Engetsu around and cut the hair that's holding me up in the air. I land back on my feet almost stumbling as he stands up on his own hind legs. He's a big hairy one, that's for sure.

"So, you're the butt-ugly son of a bitch," I bite out as he laughs at me.

"Hahahaha! Well, wannabe, you got what you asked for. Here I am," he leers as his lure flies over my head and lands in front of him. "This is the real me. So are you happy now?"

I watch as the lure morphs into it's bare bones before he reattaches the lure to the front of his head. This hollow really does look like he's fought shinigami in the past. He knows how to surprise his opponents. Between him and his lure I could be looking at a two against one fight here. I need to keep that in mind.

"Elated," I deadpan, looking up at him.

He just does clear the ceiling. Well, since he finally showed up. I might as well cut the crap and get down to real business. I rise by right hand and point at him. He's not the only that can do a surprise attack.

"Well, wannabe, let's say we start—GGAAAAHH!"

I smile as he collapses to the ground, clutching his bleeding left shoulder. I took a large chunk out of him with that blast. I was very good with kido back in the day. I'm not perfect like I was, not even close, but I'm no push over either. Grant it, chanting the spell would have made number 4 Byakurai stronger but I wasn't going to give him a chance to counter. While he's stunned I better make my move. I'm giving him a chance. I just have to remember not to over do it. I don't have the endurance to cast too many spells.

I use shunpo and get right up on top of him. I'm not going to let him leave this fight alive! Not after what he did to me and my family! I bring Engetsu up above my head and quickly bring it down on—Dammit! That lure! Shit!

I nearly got hit with it! I just bare avoided it! I land back on the ground and charge again. I need to end this quickly! Whoa! That hair again! I dodge left and right. He knows I'm not playing. He's fast. Real fast! He won't let me near him. Yikes that was too close! I need to watch my footing! He's figured out I've been keeping my powers down low. What? The lure's not attached? Where is it? Behind me? Ugh! I turn around just in time to get punched by it! Damn! Right in the jaw! I stumbled back falling on my butt. I spit out a bit of blood and get to my feet again. It's back to wearing Masaki's face. Just my damn luck.

"Dr. Kurasaki," Uryu yells, I can see him form an arrow out of the corner of my eye.

"Don't help me! Just stay there. This is strictly between me and him," I order Uryu, wiping my mouth. Ouch… "I've got this. I know what I'm doing."

"Do you really?" Grandfisher mocks me from his lure and his main body. "All right, I will admit you're no wannabe after all but you still aren't that strong for a shinigami."

"Give me a little more credit than that. I've been living as a human all of my life," I snort back at him. "I can't help I'm a bit rusty. I think I'm doing pretty damn good for myself!"

"Ohhhh? Is that so? Well, I've seen academy brats better than you, old man," he snaps, charging me again along with the lure. Old man? Really? Did he just go there? "You must have been a F student! However, did you graduate?"

"Heh… Interesting fact, you overgrown fuzzball," I shout also running at them, zanpakuto ready. "I never finished Shino Academy! Burn, Engetsu!"

I release my zanpakuto. I'm gradually working up my power. If I just use my full force I might lose my surprise. Not only that, but my body needs the gradual increase. I don't want to pass out like Uryu or worse. My body is no longer use to my full power. I could really hurt myself and burn myself out badly.

"WHAT?!" he shouts as he halts but the lure keeps coming at me. "Then how did you—HOW?"

I'm sorry about this, honey, but I can't let him keep using your image like this! I swing and cut right rough the lure. Damn. I know… I know that's not Masaki but it does not take away the sting of me slicing up her effigy! I'm going to end this here. There's no point in dragging it out. That's too risky for me in my current state. I just need that one clean shot and I have it. I know better than to waste it. I swing Engetsu back down again. I'm ending it right now!

"Getsuga Tensho," I call out and swing down my zanpakuto.

The following eruption of energy hits him full on. I'm not giving him a chance to dodge. I would never be that stupid. He roars out in pain as the blast carries him on down quite a ways, tearing into the ceiling, floor, and walls, leaving long smoking gashes behind. But the cries are short lived and are now quiet. That took quite a lot more out of me than I was expecting. I clasps to my knees trying to catch my breath. I did it? I think I did. Hm?

Something… No wait…. Someone just fell through the ceiling? I can't really see through the smoke. I just saw a faint shadow drop. Oh, man. He better not be alive. I get back to my feet and rub my head. I did overdo it after all. I'm a little dizzy from that. However, just who is behind that smoke screen? I bring Engetsu back in front of me. Who is…? Wait! That's not Grandfisher! You've got to be kidding me! I turn to look back at Shiro as he just sort of drops slowly starts to move, gradually moving faster.

(Orihime's POV)

I really, really hope she knows what she's doing. This crash course stuff is really for the birds and it's scaring me to death. She just had us jump down through a smoking hole that just opened from a giant blast. We used our shield to catch ourselves. The smoke is really thick here. I wave my hand in front of my face trying to clear it some. I've been following her lead this whole time. I'm not too good at anything so what choice do I have really?

I do, however, wonder what made this large hole. She just suddenly told me to follow her in a certain direction and not long after that big explosion happened right in front of us. I can see the damage is starting to fix itself again and the smoke is starting to clear just a smidgen. Huh? What's she looking at? I turn to where she's looking. I can make out a figure getting closer to us. Who is that? The outline's a little familiar to me but… Who…?

Whoa! Who? I'm knocked back onto the floor along with Shihoin! I'm essentially being hugged by a strange man and my face is buried in his shoulder. I can't see who has us. I can only make out white fabric but that's about it. He's holding onto me rather tightly like an old friend that hasn't seen me in a long time. That's how it feels to me. Who is this person?

"Hmhmhm! I-I finally found you both…" I sort of know that voice. I'd wish he'd speak again…

Awe… I'm not sure if he's laughing or crying. Maybe both? It happens. I've done it. Oh, goodness knows I've done it more than I can count. I decided to reach around and lightly pat his back a little bit. He only pulls me in closer. Who is this?

"Okay. Shiro, let us sit up. I'm not in the most of comfortable spots. Ow," I hear Shihoin say as I feel his grip on us let go.

Shiro? I think I heard that name earlier. It was something Shihoin had said. He sits back and lets us sit up. I turn my eyes up to look at his… At his…What? He looks like Ichigo… How…? Who is this? He looks even more like Ichigo than Shiba does but he's solid white. I can't stop staring him. I know it's rather rude to do that but… But his eyes… Whoa! They're gold on black but they are very haunting but familiar to me. Hm? Awe, I was right he is crying but why is he crying? Is he hurt?

"Shiro," I look up see Dr. Kurosaki run towards followed by several other people. Oh-no, he's bleeding. What happened to him?

Ah, Tatsuki's here with them too! Oh, thank goodness! She doesn't look hurt. I'm glad she's okay and so is Uryu! He's fine too! Everyone looks okay other than Dr. Kurosaki! Huh, well almost. I can see Shiba is being supported by that large guard from the garden door. His head is in bandages and… Is he's foot in a cast? How did he get hurt?!

"Finally we found you two," I turn to see Hitsugaya. "Are you all right?"

"Mostly, yes, we're fine. We've been trying to find all of you as well. Glad to see everyone's back together," Shihoin states, brushing her bangs back some. "I sensed Isshin's spirit energy suddenly spike near us and followed it here. We've been trying to reach you for a while but this energy was really messing with my senses."

"Heh… Yeah, I went a little overboard on that," Dr. Kurosaki grins a little, rubbing the back of his head. "I had to deal with a rather personal issue. I'm just glad that you two are here finally… You just saved us a lot of time and hassle."

Shihoin and the others start talking more as I turn my focus back onto the snowy man only a couple feet in front of me. He's just staring at me with such an odd look. Like something between joy and pain. I wonder why that is. It's a little unnerving though, how much he looks like… Him… I bite my lip a little. Why does he keep showing up in one form or another around me? First it was Shiba and now—him… This really doesn't seem fair… Not at all…

I turn my eyes from him. It's kind of painful to look at him. Not just for his resemblance but that expression. I still don't understand why he hugged us so suddenly though. He just came running right at us and just embraced us. He seems familiar somehow but I know I haven't met him. It must just be his face… That's all it is but yet why would he hug us like that clear out of the blue? I look back up at him as he reached a hand towards me. Odd… His fingernails a pitch black.

"Orihime," I looking up to see Tatsuki run towards. "Thank goodness you're all right! Oh, you have no idea how worried I was!"

I stand as she runs into me with a great big hug. Whoa! She almost knocks me back down. I return it. I'm so glad my closest friend is okay. I was so worried for her too when we were separated from that fall. It's nice to see her unhurt. I can still see her from earlier… Covered in blood… I don't like that memory. I shake my head, trying to clear that image. That's a bad memory I don't want to remember.

I notice the snowy man get back up and look at me and Tatsuki. He looks rather upset suddenly. Why is that? I notice Tatsuki returning the same mean looking glare at him. Do they not like each other? He rubs an eye slightly and then turns from us. Something must have happened between them. I feel Tatsuki tighten her hug on me a bit more. Now I know something is wrong.

"Shiro…" Shihoin speaks as he turns to look at her. "Can we talk? Just you a me for a few minutes?"

"Hmhmhm… Sure," he answers as she beckons him to follow her away from us.

He glances at us as he walks by. The two continue on away from us. Tatsuki still hasn't let go of me. Why is she being so protective of me? I push off her and sign what's wrong. She lets out a hard breath and crosses her arms.

"Him that's what's wrong," she huffs.

I sign what's wrong with him and her face darkens some more.

"A lot. More than a lot, really," she states in a mean tone.

"Arisawa! Don't…" I turn to see Dr. Kurosaki walk up behind her. "Just don't. Please, thing worked out. Don't paint an ugly picture of him right now."

I sign what's wrong with the snowy man. Tatsuki goes to answer but she's stopped by Dr. Kurosaki.

"There's a lot of explaining we have to do about him, Inoue," he answers me instead. He understands sign? "Arisawa's version might not be the best to follow. It's very complicated."

"It's bullshit is what it is," she snorts, glaring at Dr. Kurosaki.

"Tatsuki, calm down," I see Uryu walk up to her from the other side, putting a hand on her shoulder. "I think it's about time we had our own little talk. Come with me for a few minutes."

"I'm fine. Stop it," she snaps, pulling her shoulder out from under his hand. She's angry about something. "Really, I'm fine."

"No, you're not fine. Biggest damn lie in the book. C'mon. Come with me just for a little bit," he says, grabbing her shoulder again. "Just for a few moments, that's all."

"What for?"

"I want to talk to you. What's so hard to understand about that?"

"What do you wanna talk about?" she's being very standoffish to him. Why?

"I'd like to talk to you alone, if that's all right with you? Just for a few minutes. Please."

She grunts at him but follows his lead opposite of Shihoin and the snowy man. What's going on? Things only seemed to have gotten worse since I got separated from Tatsuki and the others. There must have been fight or something like that. I was so happy to finally find so many people but now… I hug myself a bit as Dr. Kurosaki leads me over to the rest of the group. Are we going to have a talk too? I feel that we are at least to some degree. I don't think I'm going to like this too much.

(Shiro's POV)

I see Uryu guide Arisawa away from Orihime. Good. She doesn't need Tatsuki's take on things. I turn back to Yoruichi. Her memories are indeed back. She just told that it was Orihime that helped break the seal on her. I'm happy to have her back. I've missed her so much but yet… She also not same Yoruichi either. She has lived another life and everything now is just a memory to her. The same can and also can't be said for me. I'm not like her. I exist out and inside of time. I regained practically every aspect of my former self save for my power. I burned that out…

"Shiro, there is a rather large matter we need to talk about," she says with a heavy sigh.

"Hmhmhm… Like what?" I ask as she turns from me.

"It's about Inoue…" she mumbles and I turn from her. I knew this was coming.

"What about her…?" I reply in a low voice.

"You love her, don't you?"

I look back up at her again. Well, I… I do… Yes… But what do I tell Yoruichi? I don't have that empathy gift she has. I can't tell if she harbors feelings for me or not. I still do have some feeling for her some but… It's more like a distant longing. I feel deeply for her but not like I once had. I want to reconnect with her but then there's Orihime. Through my human half I got to know her as well. I don't know. I want what was taken from me but I also want what has been given to me. I can only have one, however. What should I do?

"Hm, I figured as much by that look. You do love her," she says, crossing her arms. "But you're struggling to choose between us, right?"

I nod, running a hand through my hair. Once again she reads me like a book.

"I've been doing some thinking along the same lines," she tells me with a heavy sigh. "I know and remember what happened between us… But that was such a long time ago. We grew apart and I think… I think that's okay in a way."

"Wh-what?" I ask as she grabs my hands.

"I said it's okay. We had our time and we did well together but I don't think were meant to be together," she tells me, squeezing my hands in hers. "There was just so much holding us back. I think you were meant for the Oracle but not me. Not my generation. I'm sure you've learned that Inoue is the inheritor. Even you couldn't keep me completely intact. Now, I have really thought about this. She really does love you. Well, the Ichigo part of you. I never got a chance to really talk about you. The real you. I had just started to tell her when we were attacked and it just never came back up. So… Unless they're telling her the truth right now she has no idea about who you really are."

"So… Hmhm! That's it… You're letting me go just like that? Hmhmhm! I mean we can try to start over again. Orihime and I aren't—" I ask as she stands a little on her toes and gives me a small kiss on the cheek. "Yoruichi?"

"No, Shiro, you need to let me go this time. That's what is best for both of us," She says, letting go of my hands. "She's better for you, anyway. Like I said… You need an Oracle to help complete you but I wasn't the one that was meant for you. It was just the wrong time and place for us."

"Hehehe… But I—" she puts a finger on my lips.

"Don't feel bad about it. I know you feel for her but you're going to have to rekindle that love in her. She loved Ichigo. Is there enough of him in you to ignite that fire in her?"

I'm not sure. My mind's an absolute mess so I can't really say. I'm really not the same thanks to that bastard! If they haven't told her the truth by now… How do I approach her, especially with her guard dog protecting her? I look back over at Orihime and the main group. They're talking to her about something. Uryu still has Arisawa's attention. She doesn't look happy and neither does Dodge Ball. I know that conversation has headed south and straight into hell. I shake my head and look back at Yoruichi.

"Go on. Go walk up to her and explain who you are," She turns me around and pushes me towards Orihime. "I'm fine with this. Really, I am."

I never really said much but she knows most of what I wanted to say. I draw in a deep breath and step towards Orihime. I do have something on my person that I may be able to use. I managed to revisit my old room at some point and found something. I hope this works.

(Tatsuki's POV)

I'm shaking I'm so angry right now. How can Uryu take his side like that? I don't understand. I just can't accept this. None of it. I don't want Shiro anywhere near her. I'm scared he's going to hurt her. I'm not looking forward to this talk. Uryu has pulled me pretty far away from the others. Obviously he doesn't want the others involved in this "talk."

We finally stop quite a distance away from the others. I cross my arms as he turns to face me. I just want to get this over with. I have a good idea what he wants to talk to me about. I have a temper and he wants to quell it. But after everything I've seen and all that I know… What does he plan to tell me? I just can't understand how any of this is even possible.

"Tatsuki… I need you to understand that can't get between those two no matter what. You know why regardless of what you wish it to be," he tells me. Like I don't know that. "Try. Please try to keep Shiro in a good light, at least in front of her."

"How can I?" I snap. I can't believe this!

"You heard me. Orihime is needed to help Shiro fight this war. We need them to work together and you don't need to cause trouble between them," he explains. I tighten my arms a little more across my chest. "I understand that you detest him for what he is. I know I can't change your mind on that but don't put that hate into Orihime. "

"Why are you even taking his side to begin with?"

"Because… I did get to know him unlike you. I can see Ichigo in there. It is faint but… He is in there. I don't expect you to see what I see or to understand everything."

"Good, because I sure as hell don't. I just… Damn it! How can any of this even be possible? I mean really? This has to be some made up crap. This just can't be real! All this time Ichigo was a god? Do you really believe that?"

"I'm finding it harder to disbelieve more than to believe at this point. I can't write off things like I use to and I don't see how you can. You've seen and dealt with this mess to a pretty good degree by now and you're still trying to deny it. How?"

"And how c-can you believe so much?"

"Well… Because I've finally accepted it as reality. You don't want this to be real and so you deny it, hoping it will all go away but it won't. It's impossible. Tatsuki, stop trying to pretend otherwise… It is what it is and nothing is going to change it."

"I-I just can't," I bite out, stomping my foot in frustration. "I d-don't want this to be real! I f-f-feel like… Like I'm going cr-crazy!"

"But you're not. This is our current reality."

"Why d-do think I hate it so m-much?!"

He narrows his glare at me. Geez, he looks like his father doing that. I've had enough of this conversation. I don't like this. I don't like any of this! I'm starting to shake worse than before and my heart feels like it's just beating the hell out of my ribs. My voice is even shaking now. I don't feel like anyone is on my side. This can't really be happening! This is just a very bad nightmare… It has to be! I'm so scared! I just can't… I don't like feeling so helpless. I have no way to fight back against anything! How can any of this be even remotely real…?

I'm so damn scared and there's nothing I can do! I just want all of this to go away! I'm so tired of everything! Dammit! I look away from him. I don't want to see his face. I'm starting to feel tears build in my eyes and my shaking is only getting worse. I don't feel good at all! My heart is beating as hard as it can and I'm getting chills. It's not even cold in here!

"Tatsuki, you need to sit down," he tells me. "You're getting really flushed."

"I-I'm fine! I'm fine!" I step back from him.

"Tatsuki…"

"I—I… I'm f-fine!"

Why is all this happening? I'm finally starting to really cry… Damn it! I can't stop shaking. I don't like feeling like this! I really feel so helpless in this whole situation. I'm of no real help to anyone. Maybe I really am just a burden after all. Huh? Uryu? What? He's… Hugging me…? I pull back but it won't let me go!

"L-let' go of m-me!" I try to push off him again but he won't let me go. "St-stop—stop touching me!"

"That's enough… You're really hurting yourself trying to stay so strong…"

(Normal POV)

Uryu kept a hold on her as her shaking legs finally caved, sending them both to the ground. Tatsuki was a crying mess at this point. He scooted back some to prop his back up on the wall behind him. He pulled her in closer as she cried hard into his shoulder. He lightly stroked the back of her head and rocked her a little bit. He figured something had to give sooner or later in her. He hated that it came to this; a panic attack and pretty bad one.

He looked up noticing the others were now looking at them with concern. Orihime looked the most upset at seeing her friend crying like she was. She started to walk over but Uryu silently motioned her to stop with his hand and then waved her off. Orihime didn't like it too much but turned back around regardless. She hoped everything was all right Tatsuki. She didn't know why her friend was suddenly crying like that. She hoped Uryu didn't say anything mean to her.

She faced the group again only to nearly run into the "snowy man." He had been staying quiet for a while since he walked back over to them. They had been bringing her up to speed for the most part as to what had been going on with them. Isshin was kind enough to translate for her when she asked something. She didn't like how things were turning out but that's just how it was. It scared her deeply the more she learned but she had made up her mind that she would help and she was going to do it.

She looked up at the "snowy man" and gave him a small smile as she went to walk by. He looked sad to her for some reason. She wondered why that was.

"Hmhmhm… Orihime," he spoke as she stopped and looked over her shoulder back at him. "Stop for a moment. I-I want to talk to you. Hmhmhm…"

Oh, dear. He even sounded like Ichigo. She also took notice that he had this odd sound whenever he spoke. Like a laugh but she wasn't sure if she should call it that. She slowly turned around to face him properly. She didn't like looking directly into his face for too long. He just looked so much like Ichigo it hurt to look at him. She saw too many similarities.

"I have something for you. Hmhm," he said, reaching into his white haori and pulled out a piece of folded notepaper.

She noticed the paper looked like some of the paper she used a lot. Actually, it was. She recognized a small grease stain on the corner from where she had spilled a little food on her notepad. How did he get that? He handed it to her as she studied it. There was a look of surprise on her face. She unfolded the paper to see the very last note she had written to Ichigo. The one she and Tatsuki had snuck into her old room to deliver. It was just a simple note really. She was just telling him that she had been moved to another room and that she had been attacked by a ghost.

She signed where he got the letter from and then realized he might not know what she was saying. A moment later he silently signed back to her. He wasn't very good but he knew the basics pretty well. He said that he had found it. She quickly asked him where. Only she, Tatsuki, and Ichigo knew where to look for these special notes. Not only that but how did he know it was her note? She didn't sign her name to it. He smiled at her and raised his hands to answer.

KAA-BOOOOOOM!

Without warning, something above them exploded and crashed down onto the floor. The force of the blast was strong enough to knock everyone off their feet. A large smoking hole was torn out of the ceiling and debris rained down and covered everything. All of them were a little bit stunned and rattled. Everyone sat up rubbing their sore body parts and trying to make sense of what just happened.

Their eyes quickly fell on the dark silhouette in the smoke, standing close to Shiro and Orihime. Who was that hiding in the smoke cloud? Toshiro and Rangiku froze, recognizing the spiritual pressure coming off the figure. They quickly flanked him as the smoke started to clear. Shiro helped Orihime to her feet and stood in front of her.

Once the smoke cleared enough a man dressed in white appeared in the haze. His hair was a sky blue with matching eyes that focused solely on Shiro. His white outfit was stained with a great deal of blood from his severed left arm. In his right arm was a poised katana pointing straight at Shiro's face. A long toothy grin stretched across his face, partially hidden under the remnants of a white toothy mask.

"Stop right there," Toshio growled out as the man barely even gave the captain side glance. "What did Aizen send you for this time?"

"Ha! Nothing, midget, I came down here of my own freewill," the man snapped with a mocking tone. "I'm tired of being ordered around by that sick fuck. I'm going to do things my way for a change."

"Your own freewill, huh?" Toshiro snapped. "You expect us to believe that?"

"Aizen didn't agree, can't you tell?" the man snapped, holding the bloody stub that was once his left arm. "As it is… I'm here for him and only him. I have an old score to settle with the former king."

The blue haired man focused back on his target. Shiro stared a hole through him as a nasty grin splitting his face. So… This man knew him from the old days? He didn't ever recall running into this arrancar before but he might not have been an arrancar at that time either. So just who was this blue haired bastard?

"For me, huh? Hmhmhm! Well, I must say I'm flattered that you'd go through the trouble! Hahahaha," Shiro laughed, taking a step forward. "What's this old score of yours? Hahaha! Please jog my memory because I don't remember your butt ugly mug. Hahahaha!"

"His name is—" Rangiku went to state answer but the man's zanpakuto was now less than an inch from her face.

A look of fear and surprise quickly showed on her face, staring down the long sharp blade. She was not expecting his speed. He was faster than she first thought and suddenly felt lucky that he didn't use that speed to kill her just now.

"Don't ruin this for me, woman!" he snapped as Rangiku swallowed a knot in her throat. "I've been waiting too damn long for this! I'll be the one to tell him! Got that?"

"Y-y-yeah, sure thing," she stuttered, looking at the tip of the blade close to nicking her nose. "My lips are completely sealed! Just… J-just point that in another direction."

He swung his blade out of her face and pointed it right back at the former king. Shiro stepped up as Isshin and Uryu helped Orihime up to her feet and pulled her away from what looked to be a nasty fight brewing. The others quickly followed right behind them. This might not be a fight to get in the middle of.

"Hmhmhm! Well, you wouldn't let that woman tell me so are you going finally tell me who you are?" Shiro asked, cocking his head to one side. "I don't like guessing games very much. Hahahaha!"

"Will this jog your memory of me?" he reached up and unzipped his jacket revealing along jagged scare running down his chest and to his stomach where his hollow hole sat. "You gave this scare to me centuries ago just before you became the Hollow King."

Shiro stared at the old wound and narrowed his amber eyes. Just before he became the Hollow King? The tournament! He put a hand on his head trying to recall that time a bit more. It was so long ago and another lifetime. It was the finals and he was fighting a catlike adjuchas. They were equally matched… But there was… Something happened. He got angry and a critically wounded him… He really looked hard at the arrancar before him. Those eyes, those same hard, bright blue eyes. Determined and fearless. His smile widened cutting his face wide open, remembering that fight.

"Hmhmhm… Yes, I remember now. You were that cute little kitty cat. Grime, Grimmy, something or another…" he spoke a little amused and surprised as said kitty cat hair looked like it was on end at those words.

"Panther! Not a 'cute little kitty cat' and my name is Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez, you idiot," he snapped, baring his teeth in anger. "Seriously! Knock off your jokes! How could you not remember my name?"

"Actually, I suck at names. Hmhmhm…" he answered, scratching the side of his face. "Ask Chad."

"Huh? Who…? Fuck it! Never mind…! Look! I want to settle the score between us," Grimmjow bit out. "You had an unfair advantage over me last time. I plan to even the odds this time."

"Sore loser, are we?" Shiro scoffed. "I saved your life or did you forget that? Hahahaha! After I defeated the God-king I released—"

"I know what you did! Don't remind me! I would have rather died than survive a loss like that," Grimmjow hissed back bitterly. "This is a matter of pride! I wanted a better life than those cold empty wastelands. I was soooo close!"

"I see… Hmhmhm. So you would rather return to said wastelands than serve me?" Shiro asked and Grimmjow snorted. "Hahahaha! Did I really get under your skin that badly?"

"That's it… I've had it," Grimmjow took a wild swing at Shiro. "Die, you son of a bitch!"

Shiro ducked down as the blade whistled just above his head. It seemed play time was over. Shiro put a little distance between them and manifested Zangetsu in his right hand. He quickly brought the large white and black cleaver around and pointed it right at Grimmjow. The arrancar grinned also bringing his own zanpakuto around. He finally was getting the fight he wanted. He was going to enjoy this. The former king was weak now and Grimmjow knew better than to waste this gift. Not only that but Shiro was one of the keys to destroy everything and he couldn't let that happen. However, Grimmjow knew he too was a key; the spare to Shiro supposedly. That meant that if he defeated Shiro he would have to… His grin vanished at the thought. Could he actually do that? Be rid of himself? He'd think more on that when and if the time actually presented itself.

Shiro wasted no time in his attack on the blue hair arrancar. Grimmjow had just enough time to block the large blade. Shiro was not playing in his attack. Well, that was fine. Grimmjow wasn't planning on going easy either. Grimmjow pushed back and took a swing that Shiro quickly caught with his cleaver, but was knocked down to one knee. Was Shiro really that weak?

Grimmjow growled in frustration, looking into Shiro's burning eyes. Weak or not Shiro was still a threat to him. Shiro right now was running off instinct that also made him unpredictable. Grimmjow pushed as hard as he could and was slowly forcing Shiro back along the floor. Sparks exited the edges of the opposing blades. Suddenly Shiro vanished. Sonido? Grimmjow whipped around and once again blocked the large blade. Oh, yeah, this going to be the fight he wanted.

"Hahahaha! Yes, yes, yes!" Grimmjow laughed, knocking the blade back with it's wielder. "I'm going to enjoy this!"

(A/N Well, this the last of the rewrites. I really hope this works out. I was having a hard time with it. Also I have another story out. It's a bleach/Tokyo Ghoul crossover. It's called "Does Man Make the Monster?" It's doing pretty good.)

Millie M. Banshee